Can You Be A Buddhist Wiccan?

Many people question if they can merge two belief systems together. Buddhism and Wicca have many similarities and some distinct differences. If you are asking the question ‘can I be a Buddhist Wiccan?’ the chances are that you already are.

I have had several people offer their thoughts on whether Buddhism falls under the pagan religion. For the purpose of CPH we don’t include Buddhism in our view of paganism.

However, the beauty of any Pagan path is that we can mold our practice to suit our needs and beliefs, so the answer is yes, you absolutely can be both. Let’s compare the two.

What is a Pagan?

To understand the differences and therefore the similarities between the two paths, it is important to look at what Paganism is. Paganism is a polytheistic, nature-based religion, free of dogma, that incorporates both the god and the goddess.

We describe more about what is a pagan in our Intro to Paganism.

You can see that this perfectly describes a Wiccan, but it also relates to Buddhism in many ways.

Buddhists follow the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who was born in present-day Nepal around 563 BCE.

While Buddhists don’t believe that Siddhartha Gautama was a god, they do have their own ‘system of belief’ that falls outside the Abrahamic religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

To be a Buddhist Wiccan means that you simply take the parts of both religions that resonate with you, and live by them. While we use the term ‘religion’ to describe both, some followers may prefer to use ‘philosophy’ or ‘spiritual path’.

What do Buddhists Believe?

Buddhists, like Wiccans, do not have a bible or book that tells them how to live, but both have a set of guidelines to follow. Buddhists have what’s known as the Five Precepts.

Each one – like most ‘rules’ in life - can be open to interpretation, but together they provide a framework for living a decent, compassionate life.

Buddhists also follow the Noble Eightfold Path. While this is more extensive, it is said to be for those who are seeking true enlightenment, whereas the Five Precepts are for the everyday Buddhist.

This path is divided into three parts:

• Ethics, which includes action, speech, and livelihood

• Meditation, which deals with mindfulness, effort, and concentration

• Wisdom, which covers cause and effect, and intention

What do Wiccans Believe?

Like Buddhists, Wiccans have their own guideline – The Wiccan Rede.

The Rede is a long rhyming passage that sets out the moral system by which a Wiccan should live. While there are several versions of it, the following lines illustrate the general tone.

• Live and let live. Do what you want to do (within the moral confines of the Rede), while also affording others the same freedom and consideration.

• Speak little, listen much. This could be interpreted as don’t indulge in idle chat, and listen while others speak.

• Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Leave others better than you found them, and bring comfort and joy to those that you meet.

• Mind the Threefold Law. This relates to the return of energy that you put out into the world.

• An it harm none, do what ye will. The cornerstone of the Wiccan way, ‘an it harm none’ means that you should live your life the way you want to, as long as it causes no harm to anyone, including yourself.

What Do Buddhists and Wiccans Have in Common?

In wondering whether you can be a Buddhist Wiccan, it makes sense to look at the parts of both paths that overlap. If every principle of one directly opposed the others, then there would be too much internal conflict. However, there are several similarities between the two that work in perfect synergy.

• Do no harm: this is the most obvious one.

• Wrong speech/speak little: both paths believe in speaking kindly or saying nothing at all. The saying ‘before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?’ could be applied to both systems.

• Karma: while the idea of karma differs slightly between the two disciplines, it is very much prevalent in both. Wiccans believe that the energy that is sent out into the universe comes back threefold, while Buddhists believe that karma is more cause and effect. Both, however, focus on how our thoughts, words, and deeds affect our future.

• Meditation: this is a huge part of both practices. Meditation is common with Wiccans, especially before performing any kind of ritual or spellwork as a way of grounding and focusing. Buddhists use meditation to still the mind and slow the rush of thoughts.

• Reincarnation: in Buddhism, it is believed that we go through multiple lives until they have learned all of life’s lessons, at which point they ascend to Nirvana.

• In Wicca, the souls are said to go to The Summerland; a place where they stay until it’s time for them to be reincarnated into another body. Many also believe that souls, once they have finished incarnating, will stay in The Summerland to help guide other souls.

How Are Buddhism and Wicca Different?

Role of Women

The biggest difference may be honoring the feminine. One of the things that appeal to so many men and women is the acceptance of the goddess in the Wiccan Religion.

Followers of Wicca honor the God and the Goddess. While founded by a man he established the principle of the divine feminine. Men and women have equal access to roles in leadership.

Buddhism however, has had some questions about its treatment of women in the faith. Granted when Gautama was living women were thought of as property and on a lower plane. He argued against having women followers and when he did allow them the women had to follow stricter rules than the men.

This continues to be an issue today in many Buddhist communities. Some countries that are predominantly Buddhist still have human rights issues against women. Some don’t have gender discrimination but still limit the activities and rituals the Buddhist woman participates in.

God/Goddess

Another major difference between Buddhists and Wiccans is their belief/disbelief in deities.

Buddhism is a non-theistic path, in that there is no creator, no deity sitting in judgment, and no god in charge. Buddha, who founded the religion, was not a god, but a respected and revered spiritual teacher.

Wicca, on the other hand, is a polytheistic religion, in which most practitioners will worship the horned god and the moon goddess. In addition, many Wiccans will also call upon other deities to guide them, especially if they practice witchcraft.

Magic

Magic is another difference. Wiccans use magic in their practice during spells and rituals. These include casting a circle, calling upon the god/goddess, and practicing divination.

They may use meditation, dreaming, crystals, and plants to connect with deities.

Wiccans use ritual tools to practice their craft. Witchcraft is something many Wiccans practice. However, we note that witchcraft is practiced widely among pagan groups and is not limited to Wiccans.

Buddhists seem to become uncomfortable with discussions about magic. Traditionally, monks used magic and herbs for healing. However, now many monks teach that magic, such as casting spells, is disrespectful.

Buddhists do meditate but they say that is seeking power within themselves. Versus casting a spell that sends the power outward towards others.

It is Entirely Possible to be a Buddhist Wiccan

The beautiful thing about Wicca is that you can mold the practice to suit your own belief system. If Buddhism speaks to you, there is absolutely no reason why you cannot incorporate it into your path.

 Author, Imani Williams, is a college student studying social work. She has been a kitchen/cosmos witch for four years. Imani is very interested in divination and spell casting.